Container closure

ABSTRACT

A package includes a closure adapted to mate with a brim of a container to close an opening that opens into an interior product-storage region formed in the container.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/063,714, filed Oct. 14, 2014, whichis expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a package, and particularly to apackage including a closure for mounting on a brim of a container. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to a re-closable closureprovided with a membrane sheet that mates with a container brim when theclosure is mounted on the container brim.

SUMMARY

According to the present disclosure, a package includes a closureadapted to mate with a brim of a container to close an opening thatopens into an interior product-storage region formed in the container.

In illustrative embodiments, the closure includes a sheet-support ringand a multi-layer sheet. The sheet-support ring is coupled to the brimby a snap-fit connection. The multi-layer sheet is coupled permanentlyto the sheet-support ring by a permanent bond and coupled temporarily toan upwardly facing surface of the brim by a temporary bond to cause anendless hermetic seal to be established between the brim and themulti-layer sheet. The multi-layer sheet is configured to provide meansfor communicating visually to a user that the closure has been separatedfrom the container previously in response to separation of the closurefrom the container.

In illustrative embodiments, the multi-layer sheet includes an outerlayer, an inner layer, and a coupling layer. The outer layer is spacedapart from the brim. The inner layer is located between the outer layerand brim and cooperates with the brim to establish the temporary bond.The coupling layer is located between the inner and outer layers and isconfigured to provide means for causing an inner portion of the innerlayer to delaminate in a controlled manner from the coupling layer inresponse to separation of the sheet-support ring from the brim a firsttime to cause the film lid to be established while maintaining thehermetic seal between the film lid and the brim so that the removablecover is established for covering the top aperture after the film lid isremoved and separated from the container. In illustrative embodiments,the coupling layer is an adhesive layer.

In illustrative embodiments, the inner layer includes an inner portion,an outer portion, and a peel-initiation zone. The outer portion islocated in spaced-apart relation to the inner portion. Thepeel-initiation zone is located between the inner portion and the outerportion and is configured to provide means for causing the inner portionof the inner layer to delaminate in a controlled manner from thecoupling layer in response to separation of the sheet-support ring fromthe brim to cause the film lid to be established while maintaining thehermetic seal between the film lid and the brim so that the removablecover is established for covering the top aperture after the film lid isremoved and separated from the container.

Also in accordance with the present disclosure, in illustrativeembodiments, a package includes a container and a closure. The containerincludes a bowl formed to include a product-storage region therein and abrim coupled to the bowl and formed to include a top aperture arrangedto open into the product-storage region. The closure includes asheet-support ring and a multi-layer sheet. The sheet-support ring iscoupled to the brim. The multi-layer sheet includes an outer layer, aninner layer, and a coupling layer. The outer layer is coupledpermanently to the sheet-support ring by a first permanent bond. Theinner layer is coupled temporarily to an upwardly facing surface of thebrim by a temporary bond to cause an endless seal to be establishedbetween the brim and the inner layer of the multi-layer sheet. Thecoupling layer is located between the inner and outer layers andconfigured to provide means for communicating visually to a user thatthe closure has been separated previously from the container by a user.

Also in accordance with the present disclosure, in illustrativeembodiments, a package includes a container and a closure. The containerincludes a bowl formed to include a product-storage region therein and abrim coupled to the bowl and formed to include a top aperture arrangedto open into the product-storage region. The closure includes asheet-support ring and a multi-layer sheet. The sheet-support ring iscoupled to the brim. The multi-layer sheet is coupled permanently to thesheet-support ring by a permanent bond and coupled temporarily to anupwardly facing surface of the brim by a temporary bond to cause anendless hermetic seal to be established between the brim and themulti-layer sheet. The sheet-support ring is configured to provide meansfor communicating visually to a user that the closure has been separatedfrom the container previously in response to separation of the closurefrom the container.

Additional features of the present disclosure will become apparent tothose skilled in the art upon consideration of illustrative embodimentsexemplifying the best mode of carrying out the disclosure as presentlyperceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figuresin which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package in accordance with the presentdisclosure showing that the package includes a rectangle-shapedcontainer and a rectangle-shaped closure mounted on a brim included inthe container, the closure including a substantially flat multi-layersheet as suggested in FIGS. 4 and 8 that is bonded permanently to asheet-support ring and bonded temporarily to an upwardly facing surfaceof the brim at a container-filling factory;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 2 showing that the closure iscoupled to the brim of the container and the multi-layer sheet iscoupled by a temporary bond (represented as XXXXXXX) to the brim of thecontainer;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 3 showing that the multi-layersheet includes an outer layer, an inner sealant layer, and a couplinglayer located therebetween and suggesting that during separation of theclosure from the container, the multi-layer sheet delaminates in acontrolled manner to establish a removable cover including thesheet-support ring, the outer layer of the multi-layer sheet, and anouter portion of the inner layer, and a film lid separated from theremovable cover and coupled to the brim by the temporary bond(represented as XXXXXXX) as a result of the multi-layer sheetdelaminating in a controlled manner as a result of peel-initiation zonebeing formed in the inner layer between the temporary bond and thesheet-support ring;

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the package of FIG. 1 showingthat the sheet-support ring includes a support band extending around thebrim of the container and a closure-opening tab appended to the supportband and showing that the multi-layer sheet includes a peel-initiationtab appended to a body of the multi-layer sheet and the peel-initiationtab extends beyond the brim of the container to simplify removal of thefilm lid after delamination and removal of the removable lid from thecontainer;

FIG. 6 is perspective view of the package of FIG. 1 showing the packageafter a user has caused the inner layer of the multi-layer sheet todelaminate forming the removable cover located in spaced-apart relationabove the container and the film lid coupled to the brim of thecontainer;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing the container after the userhas peeled the film lid away from the container overcoming the temporarybond coupling the film lid to the brim to expose a top aperture formedin the container that is arranged to open into an interiorproduct-storage region formed in the container;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing the removable cover coupledto the brim of the container by the sheet-support ring after the filmlid has been peeled away from the brim of the container;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of a package inaccordance with the present disclosure showing that the package includesa round-shaped container and a round-shaped closure and suggesting thatthe package may be configured, from left to right, in various statessuch as the closure coupled to the container, a removable coverseparated from the film lid coupled to the container, the removablecover and the film lid separated from the container, and the removablecover coupled to the container without the film lid;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a package inaccordance with the present disclosure showing that the package includesa rectangle-shaped container and a rectangle-shaped closure mounted on abrim included in the container and including a removable cover includinga multi-layer sheet bonded permanently to a sheet-support ring and afilm lid bonded temporarily to the multi-layer sheet and an upwardlyfacing surface of the brim;

FIG. 11 is an exploded assembly view of the package of FIG. 10 showingthat the package includes, from top to bottom, the removable coverincluding the sheet-support ring and the multi-layer sheet, the filmlid, and the container;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 10 showingthat the multi-layer sheet includes an outer layer and a coupling layerlocated between the outer layer and the film lid and suggesting thatduring separation of the closure from the container, the film liddelaminates from the coupling layer in a controlled manner to establishthe removable cover including the sheet-support ring, the outer layer ofthe multi-layer sheet, and the coupling layer, and the film lidseparated from the removable cover and coupled to the brim by thetemporary bond (represented as XXXXXXX) as a result of the film liddelaminating in a controlled manner as a result of the temporary bond(represented as XXXXXXX) having a greater bond strength than the bondbetween the coupling layer and the film lid;

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12 showing the removable cover coupledto the brim of the container by the sheet-support ring after the filmlid has been peeled away from the brim of the container;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a package inaccordance with the present disclosure showing that the package includesa circular-shaped container and a circular-shaped closure mounted on abrim included in the container and including a sheet-support ringcoupled to the brim of the container and a multi-layer sheet bondedpermanently to the sheet-support ring and bonded temporarily to anupwardly facing surface of the brim and suggesting that a removablecover and a film lid are established from the circular-shaped closure inresponse to application of a cover-separation force to the sheet-supportring as suggested in FIG. 15;

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14 showing the removable cover spacedapart from the film lid in response to application of thecover-separation force to the sheet-support ring and suggesting that theremovable cover includes a lower annular band included in thesheet-support ring and an outer layer of the multi-layer sheet and thatthe film lid includes an upper annular band included in thesheet-support ring and an inner layer of the multi-layer sheet;

FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 15 showing the film lid separated fromthe brim of the container in response to application of a lid-removalforce to a lid tab included in the upper annular band to cause access tobe provided to an interior product-storage region formed in thecontainer through a top aperture formed in the container;

FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 16 showing the removable cover coupledto the brim of the container after the film lid has been removed fromthe container to cause access to the top aperture to be blocked;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 14 showingthat the inner layer of the multi-layer sheet is coupled temporarily tothe upwardly facing surface of the brim and coupled permanently to theoutwardly facing surface of the upper annular band of the sheet-supportring and the outer layer of the multi-layer sheet is coupled temporarilyto the inner layer and coupled permanently to the lower annular band ofthe sheet-support ring and showing that the upper annular band iscoupled to the lower annular band by a series of spaced-apart frangibleconnectors;

FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 15 showingthe film lid coupled to the brim of the container after the removablecover has been spaced apart from the film lid and the brim of thecontainer in response to application of the cover-separation force tothe sheet-support ring; and

FIG. 20 is a sectional view taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 17 showingthe removable cover coupled to the brim of the container by thesheet-support ring after the film lid has been peeled away from the brimof the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A first embodiment of a package 10 in accordance with the presentdisclosure is shown, for example, in FIG. 1. Package 10 includes acontainer 12 and a closure 14 mounted on container 12 to closeselectively a top aperture 16 formed in container 12 as suggested inFIGS. 2 and 7. Closure 14 includes a sheet-support ring 24 and amulti-layer sheet 22 configured to provide means for communicatingvisually to a user that closure 14 has been separated from container 12previously in response to separation of closure 14 from container 12. Asecond embodiment of a package 110 in accordance with the presentdisclosure is shown in FIG. 9. A third embodiment of a package 210 inaccordance with the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 10-13. A fourthembodiment of a package 310 in accordance with the present disclosure isshown in FIGS. 14-20.

Package 10 is configured to receive and store products such as, forexample, food. Container 12 includes a bowl 17 that is formed to includean interior product-storage region 36 therein and top aperture 16 thatis arranged to open into interior product-storage region 36. Closure 14is configured to mount on container 12 to close top aperture 16 andselectively block access to interior product-storage region 36.

Container 12 includes bowl 17 and a brim 18 as shown, for example, inFIG. 2. Closure 14 is mounted on brim 18 of container 12 as suggested inFIGS. 1-5. Closure 14 includes multi-layer sheet 22 and sheet-supportring 24 as shown in FIGS. 1-5. Multi-layer sheet 22 is coupledpermanently to sheet-support ring 24 by a permanent bond 42P as shown inFIG. 3. Multi-layer sheet 22 is bonded temporarily by a temporary bond42T to an upwardly facing top surface 18U of container brim 18 at acontainer-filling factory to establish an endless hermetic seal betweenclosure 14 and container brim 18 as suggested in FIGS. 1-5.

Multi-layer sheet 22 includes an outer layer 22A, an inner layer 22Cspaced apart from outer layer 22A, and a coupling layer 22B locatedtherebetween as shown in FIG. 4. In one example, coupling layer 22B isan adhesive layer 22B. While multi-layer sheet 22 is shown to includethree layers, more or less layers may be included in accordance with thepresent disclosure. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/454,283, filedon Aug. 7, 2014, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety fordisclosure relating to multi-layer sheet compositions and formulationsof various layers therein in accordance with the present disclosure.

Closure 14 is coupled to container 12 in a container-filling factory. Asa result, multi-layer sheet 22 is coupled to brim 18 of container 12 bytemporary bond 42T (represented as XXXXXXX) as shown in FIG. 4. Portionsof multi-layer sheet 22 are coupled to sheet-support ring 24 bypermanent bond 42P. Package 10 is opened in a series of illustrativesteps in which package 10 assumes various configurations including aclosed-sealed arrangement as shown in FIG. 1, an opened-sealedarrangement as shown in FIG. 6, an opened arrangement as shown in FIG.7, and a closed arrangement as shown in FIG. 8.

Package 10 is established in the container-filling factory in theclosed-sealed arrangement. When in the closed-sealed arrangement, acontinuous hermetic seal is established between multi-layer sheet 22 andbrim 18 by temporary bond 42T. In one example, temporary bond 42T is aheat bond formed as a result of a sealing head using heat to establishtemporary bond 42T.

A consumer/purchaser/user of package 10 in the field (e.g., home) causespackage 10 to assume the opened-sealed arrangement by pullingsheet-support ring 24 away from container 12. As a result, portions ofinner layer 22C of multi-layer sheet 22 delaminate in a controlledmanner to cause a removable cover 20 and a film lid 26 to be establishedas shown in FIG. 6. During controlled delamination, an outer portion22C1 of inner layer 22C of multi-layer sheet 22 remains coupled tocoupling layer 22B and sheet-support ring 24 establishing removablecover 20 as shown in FIG. 8. A remaining inner portion 22C2 of innerlayer 22C remains coupled to brim 18 by temporary bond 42T to establishfilm lid 26 as shown in FIG. 6.

Inner layer 22C includes a peel-initiation zone 28 located between innerportion 22C2 and outer portion 22C1 of inner layer 22C as shown in FIGS.1 and 4. Peel-initiation zone 28 is configured to provide means forcausing inner layer 22C to delaminate in a controlled manner in responseto separation of sheet-support ring 24 from brim 18 to cause film lid 26to be established while maintaining the hermetic seal between film lid26 and brim 18 so that removable cover 20 is established for coveringtop aperture 16 after film lid 26 is removed and separated fromcontainer 12.

In one illustrative example, peel-initiation zone 28 is an area ofweakness in inner layer 22C of multi-layer sheet 22. The area ofweakness may be a series of spaced-apart cuts formed in multi-layersheet 22 and extending through only inner layer 22C. The area ofweakness may be a continuous cut formed in multi-layer sheet 22 thatextends only through inner layer 22C. In one embodiment, the area ofweakness is a continuous and uninterrupted cut formed in inner layer 22Cand arranged to extend only through inner layer 22C. The cut is locatedbetween inner portion 22C2 of inner layer 22C and outer portion 22C1 ofinner layer 22C.

In another illustrative example, peel-initiation zone 28 is formed as aresult of inner layer 22C being configured to fracture during removal ofsheet-support ring 24 from brim 18 in such a way as to establish filmlid 26 that maintains the hermetic seal between brim 18 and film lid 26.A combination of factors may be adjusted to provide for apeel-initiation zone 28 in accordance with the present disclosure. Thefactors may include the inner layer formulation, adhesive strength ofadhesive layer 22B, and the strength of temporary bond 42T formedbetween inner layer 22C and brim 18.

As shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 4, sheet-support ring 24 includesa support band 32 arranged to extend around brim 18 and aclosure-opening tab 38. Closure-opening tab 38 is appended to supportband 32 to extend outwardly beyond a perimeter of support band 32 and isconfigured to be grasped by a consumer/purchaser/user of package 10 inthe field (e.g., home) and simplify application of an opening force toclosure 14 to cause package 10 to assume the opened-sealed arrangement.

Multi-layer sheet 22 includes a body 40 arranged to cover and close topaperture 16 when package 10 is in the closed-sealed arrangement or theopened-sealed arrangement and a peel-initiation tab 44 as shown in FIG.6. Peel-initiation tab 44 is appended to body 40 of multi-layer sheet 22and arranged to extend beyond brim 18 to simplify removal of film lid 26after delamination and removal of removable cover 20 from container 12.As a result of separating film lid 26 from container 12, package 10 iscaused to assume the opened arrangement of package 10 in which access tointerior product-storage region 36 is allowed through top aperture 16 asshown in FIG. 7.

After film lid 26 is separated from container 12, removable cover 20 maybe coupled to brim 18 to establish the closed arrangement as shown inFIG. 8. In the closed arrangement, removable cover 20 closes topaperture 16 and blocks access to interior product-storage region 36 bydust, dirt, etc. In one example, inner portion 22C2 of inner layer 22Cdelaminates from outer layer 22A to expose adhesive layer 22B. Adhesivelayer 22B may be used to establish an adhesive bond between removablecover 20 and brim 18. As a result, access to interior product-storageregion 36 by water, liquids, air etc. may be blocked or minimized.

In some embodiments, outer layer 22A includes a portion that isgenerally transparent to light and configured to communicate firstvisual information through the portion of outer layer 22A when package10 is in a closed-sealed arrangement and is further configured tocommunicate second visual information through the portion of outer layer22A when package 10 is in an opened arrangement. Coupling layer 22Bincludes a portion that is transparent to light and configured to allowa user to view visual information through the portion of coupling layer22B.

In some embodiments, the first visual information is one of an image,text, embossing, or a color and is included in inner layer 22C. In someembodiments, the second visual information is one of an image, text,embossing, or a color, the second visual information is different thanthe first visual information, and the second visual information isincluded in brim 18 of container 12.

Another embodiment of a package 110 in accordance with the presentdisclosure is shown in FIG. 9. Package 110 includes a container 112 anda closure 114. Package 110 may be arranged in one of a closed-sealedarrangement, an opened-sealed arrangement, an opened arrangement, and aclosed arrangement at the option of the user as suggested in FIG. 9.

Container 112 includes bowl 117 and a brim 118 as shown, for example, inFIG. 9. Closure 114 is mounted on brim 118 of container 112 as suggestedin FIG. 9. Closure 114 includes a multi-layer sheet 122 and asheet-support ring 124 as shown in FIG. 9. Multi-layer sheet 122 iscoupled permanently to sheet-support ring 124 by a permanent bond.Multi-layer sheet 122 is bonded temporarily by a temporary bond to anupwardly facing top surface 118U of container brim 118 at acontainer-filling factory to establish an endless hermetic seal betweenclosure 114 and container brim 118 as suggested in FIG. 9.

Multi-layer sheet 122 includes an outer layer, an inner layer spacedapart from the outer layer, and an adhesive layer located therebetween.While multi-layer sheet 122 is shown to include three layers, more orless layers may be included in accordance with the present disclosure.

Closure 114 is coupled to container 112 in a container-filling factory.As a result, multi-layer sheet 122 is coupled to brim 118 of container112 by a temporary bond. Portions of multi-layer sheet 122 are coupledto sheet-support ring 124 by a permanent bond. Package 110 is opened ina series of steps in which package 110 assumes various configurationsincluding the closed-sealed arrangement, the opened-sealed arrangement,the opened arrangement, and the closed arrangement as shown in FIG. 9.

A consumer/purchaser/user of package 110 in the field (e.g., home)causes package 110 to assume the opened-sealed arrangement by pullingsheet-support ring 124 away from container 112. As a result, portions ofthe inner layer of multi-layer sheet 122 delaminate in a controlledmanner to cause a removable cover 120 and a film lid 126 to beestablished as shown in FIG. 9. During controlled delamination, an outerportion of the inner layer of multi-layer sheet 122 remains coupled tothe adhesive layer and sheet-support ring 124 establishing removablecover 120 as shown in FIG. 9. A remaining inner portion of the innerlayer remains coupled to brim 118 by the temporary bond to establishfilm lid 126 as shown in FIG. 9.

The inner layer includes a peel-initiation zone located between theinner portion and the outer portion of the inner layer. Thepeel-initiation zone is configured to provide means for causing aportion of the inner layer to delaminate in a controlled manner inresponse to separation of sheet-support ring 124 from brim 118 to causefilm lid 126 to be established while maintaining the hermetic sealbetween film lid 126 and brim 118 so that removable cover 120 isestablished for covering a top aperture 116 after film lid 126 isremoved and separated from container 112.

After film lid 126 is separated from container 112, removable cover 120may be coupled to brim 118 to establish the closed arrangement. In theclosed arrangement, removable cover 120 closes top aperture 116 andblocks access to interior product-storage region 136 by dust, dirt, etc.In one example, the inner portion of the inner layer delaminates fromthe outer layer to expose the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer may beused to establish an adhesive bond between the removable cover and thebrim 118. As a result, access to interior product-storage region 136 bywater, liquids, air etc. may be blocked or minimized.

Another embodiment of a package 210 in accordance with the presentdisclosure is shown in FIGS. 10-13. Package 210, is configured toreceive and store products such as, for example, food. Package 210includes container 12 and a closure 214 mounted on container 12 to closeselectively top aperture 16 formed in container 12 as shown in FIGS. 10and 12. Closure 214 includes sheet-support ring 24 and a multi-layersheet 222 configured to provide means for communicating visually to auser that closure 214 has been separated from container 12 previously inresponse to separation of closure 214 from container 12.

Container 12 includes bowl 17 that is formed to include interiorproduct-storage region 36 therein and top aperture 16 that is arrangedto open into interior product-storage region 36 as shown in FIG. 11.Closure 214 is configured to mount on container 12 to close top aperture16 and selectively block access to interior product-storage region 36 asshown in FIGS. 10, 12, and 13.

Closure 214 is mounted on brim 18 of container 12 as shown in FIG. 10.Closure 214 includes multi-layer sheet 222 and sheet-support ring 24 asshown in FIGS. 10-13. Multi-layer sheet 222 is coupled permanently tosheet-support ring 24 by a permanent bond 242P as shown in FIG. 12.Multi-layer sheet 222 is bonded temporarily by a temporary bond 242T toan upwardly facing top surface 18U of container brim 18 at thecontainer-filling factory to establish an endless hermetic seal betweenclosure 214 and container brim 18 as suggested in FIGS. 10-13.

Multi-layer sheet 222 includes an outer layer 222A, an inner layer 222Cspaced apart from outer layer 222A, and a coupling layer 222B locatedtherebetween as shown in FIG. 12. In one example, coupling layer 222B isan adhesive layer 222B. While multi-layer sheet 222 is shown to includethree layers, more or less layers may be included in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

Closure 214 is coupled to container 12 in the container-filling factory.As a result, multi-layer sheet 222 is coupled to brim 18 of container 12by temporary bond 242T (represented as XXXXXXX) as shown in FIG. 12.Outer layer 222A of multi-layer sheet 222 is coupled to sheet-supportring 24 by permanent bond 242P. Package 210 is opened in a series ofillustrative steps in which package 210 assumes various configurationsincluding a closed-sealed arrangement as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, anopened-sealed arrangement, an opened arrangement as shown in FIG. 11,and a closed arrangement as shown in FIG. 13.

Package 210 is established in the container-filling factory in theclosed-sealed arrangement. When in the closed-sealed arrangement, acontinuous hermetic seal is established between multi-layer sheet 222and brim 18 by temporary bond 242T. In one example, temporary bond 242Tis a heat bond formed as a result of a sealing head using heat toestablish temporary bond 242T.

A consumer/purchaser/user of package 210 in the field (e.g., home)causes package 210 to assume the opened-sealed arrangement by pullingsheet-support ring 24 away from container 12. As a result, inner layer222C of multi-layer sheet 222 delaminates in a controlled manner tocause a removable cover 220 and a film lid 226 to be established assuggested in FIG. 11. During controlled delamination, outer layer 222Aof multi-layer sheet 222 remains coupled to coupling layer 222B andsheet-support ring 24 establishing removable cover 220 as suggested inFIG. 11. Inner layer 222C remains coupled to brim 18 by temporary bond242T to establish film lid 226.

In other embodiments, during controlled delamination, outer layer 222Aof multi-layer sheet 222 remains coupled to sheet-support ring 24establishing removable cover 220. Inner layer 222C remains coupled tocoupling layer 222B and brim 18 by temporary bond 242T to establish filmlid 226.

In some embodiments, inner layer 222C includes a peel-initiation zone228 that extends outward beyond brim 18 as shown in FIG. 11.Peel-initiation zone 228 is configured to provide means for causinginner layer 222C to delaminate in a controlled manner in response toseparation of sheet-support ring 24 from brim 18 to cause film lid 226to be established while maintaining the hermetic seal between film lid226 and brim 18 so that removable cover 220 is established for coveringtop aperture 16 after film lid 226 is removed and separated fromcontainer 12.

In one illustrative example, peel-initiation zone 228 is an area ofweakness in inner layer 222C of multi-layer sheet 222. The area ofweakness may be a series of spaced-apart cuts formed in multi-layersheet 222 and extending through only inner layer 222C. The area ofweakness may be a continuous cut formed in multi-layer sheet 222 thatextends only through inner layer 222C.

In another illustrative example, peel-initiation zone 228 is formed as aresult of inner layer 222C being configured to fracture during removalof sheet-support ring 24 from brim 18 in such a way as to establish filmlid 226 that maintains the hermetic seal between brim 18 and film lid226. A combination of factors may be adjusted to provide for apeel-initiation zone 228 in accordance with the present disclosure. Thefactors may include the inner layer formulation, adhesive strength ofadhesive layer 222B, and the strength of temporary bond 242T formedbetween inner layer 222C and brim 18.

As shown, for example, in FIG. 10, sheet-support ring 24 includes asupport band 32 arranged to extend around brim 18 and a closure-openingtab 38. Closure-opening tab 38 is appended to support band 32 to extendoutwardly beyond a perimeter of support band 32 and is configured to begrasped by a consumer/purchaser/user of package 210 in the field (e.g.,home) and simplify application of an opening force to closure 214 tocause package 210 to assume the opened-sealed arrangement.

Multi-layer sheet 222 includes a body 240 arranged to cover and closetop aperture 16 when package 210 is in the closed-sealed arrangement orthe opened-sealed arrangement and a peel-initiation tab 244 as shown inFIG. 11. Peel-initiation tab 244 is appended to body 240 of multi-layersheet 222 and arranged to extend beyond brim 18 to simplify removal offilm lid 226 after delamination and removal of removable cover 220 fromcontainer 12. As a result of separating film lid 226 from container 12,package 210 is caused to assume the opened arrangement of package 210 inwhich access to interior product-storage region 36 is allowed throughtop aperture 16 as shown in FIG. 11.

After film lid 226 is separated from container 12, removable cover 220may be coupled to brim 18 to establish the closed arrangement as shownin FIG. 13. In the closed arrangement, removable cover 220 closes topaperture 16 and blocks access to interior product-storage region 36 bydust, dirt, etc. In one example, inner layer 222C delaminates from outerlayer 222A to expose adhesive layer 222B. Adhesive layer 222B may beused to establish an adhesive bond between removable cover 220 and brim18. As a result, access to interior product-storage region 36 by water,liquids, air etc. may be blocked or minimized.

Another embodiment of a package 310 in accordance with the presentdisclosure is shown in FIGS. 14-20. Package 310, is configured toreceive and store products such as, for example, food. Package 310includes container 112 and a closure 314 mounted on container 112 toclose selectively top aperture 116 formed in container 112 as shown inFIGS. 14 and 18. Closure 314 includes sheet-support ring 324 and amulti-layer sheet 322 configured to provide means for communicatingvisually to a user that closure 314 has been separated from container112 previously in response to separation of closure 314 from container112.

Container 112 includes bowl 117 that is formed to include interiorproduct-storage region 136 therein and top aperture 116 that is arrangedto open into interior product-storage region 136 as shown in FIG. 16.Closure 314 is configured to mount on container 112 to close topaperture 116 and selectively block access to interior product-storageregion 136 as shown in FIGS. 14-20.

Closure 314 is mounted on brim 118 of container 112 as shown in FIG. 14.Closure 314 includes multi-layer sheet 322 and sheet-support ring 324 asshown in FIGS. 14 and 18. Multi-layer sheet 322 is coupled permanentlyto sheet-support ring 324 by a permanent bond 342P as shown in FIGS. 18and 20. Multi-layer sheet 322 is bonded temporarily by a temporary bond342T to upwardly facing top surface 118U of container brim 118 at thecontainer-filling factory to establish an endless hermetic seal betweenclosure 314 and container brim 118 as suggested in FIG. 18.

Illustratively, multi-layer sheet 322 includes an outer layer 322A andan inner layer 322C as shown in FIG. 18. While multi-layer sheet 322 isshown to include two layers, more or less layers may be included inaccordance with the present disclosure. As an example, multi-layer sheet322 may include a coupling layer located between the outer layer 322Aand the inner layer 322C. Coupling layer may couple inner layer 322C toouter layer 322A. In one example, coupling layer is an adhesive layer.

Illustratively, inner layer 322C extends about halfway down an outersurface of upper annular band 352 as shown in FIG. 19. In otherembodiments, inner layer 322C extends less than about halfway down theouter surface of upper annular band 352. In other embodiments, innerlayer 322C extends more than about halfway down the outer surface ofupper annular band 352. In other embodiments, inner layer 322C extendsdownwardly beyond a bottom surface of upper annular band 352.

Illustratively, outer layer 322A extends more than about halfway down anouter surface of lower annular band 354 as shown in FIG. 20. In otherembodiments, outer layer 322B extends less than about halfway down theouter surface of lower annular band 354. In other embodiments, outerlayer 322B extends about halfway down the outer surface of lower annularband 354. In other embodiments, outer layer 322B extends downwardlybeyond a bottom surface of lower annular band 354.

In the illustrative embodiment, outer layer 322A and inner layer 322Ccomprise materials that resist bonding to one another so that outerlayer 322A does not bond to inner layer 322C. In the illustrativeembodiment, inner layer 322C extends partway down the outer surface ofupper annular band 352. As such, a gap is formed between outer layer322A and upper annular band 352 as shown in FIG. 18.

Sheet-support ring 324 includes an upper annular band 352, a lowerannular band 354 located in spaced-apart relationship to upper annularband 352, and a series of frangible connectors 356 as shown in FIG. 18.Frangible connectors 356 are arranged to extend between and interconnectupper annular band 352 and lower annular band 354 to cause lower annularband 354 to separate and move away from upper annular band 352 inresponse to application of a cover-removal force to lower annular band354.

Closure 314 is coupled to container 112 in the container-fillingfactory. As a result, multi-layer sheet 322 is coupled to brim 118 ofcontainer 112 by temporary bond 342T (represented as XXXXXXX) as shownin FIG. 18. Outer layer 322A of multi-layer sheet 322 is coupled tosheet-support ring 324 by permanent bond 342P. Package 310 is opened ina series of illustrative steps in which package 310 assumes variousconfigurations including a closed-sealed arrangement as shown in FIGS.14 and 18, an opened-sealed arrangement as shown in FIGS. 15 and 19, anopened arrangement as shown in FIG. 16, and a closed arrangement asshown in FIGS. 17 and 20.

Package 310 is established in the container-filling factory in theclosed-sealed arrangement. When in the closed-sealed arrangement, acontinuous hermetic seal is established between inner layer 322C andbrim 118 by temporary bond 342T. In one example, temporary bond 342T isa heat bond formed as a result of a sealing head using heat to establishtemporary bond 342T.

A consumer/purchaser/user of package 310 in the field (e.g., home)causes package 310 to assume the opened-sealed arrangement by pullinglower annular band 354 of sheet-support ring 324 away from container112. As a result, lower annular band 354 separates from upper annularband 352 at frangible connectors 356 in a controlled manner to cause aremovable cover 320 and a film lid 326 to be established as suggested inFIG. 15. During controlled separation, outer layer 322A of multi-layersheet 322 remains coupled to lower annular band 354 of sheet-supportring 324 establishing removable cover 320 as suggested in FIGS. 15 and20. Inner layer 322C remains coupled to upper annular band 352 and tobrim 118 by temporary bond 342T to establish film lid 326 as shown inFIGS. 15 and 19.

Upper annular band 352 is formed to include a peel-initiation tab 344 asshown in FIG. 15. Peel-initiation tab 344 is arranged to extend beyondbrim 118 to simplify removal of film lid 326 after delamination andremoval of removable cover 320 from container 112. As a result ofseparating film lid 326 from container 112, package 310 is caused toassume the opened arrangement of package 310 in which access to interiorproduct-storage region 136 is allowed through top aperture 116 as shownin FIG. 16.

After film lid 326 is separated from container 112, removable cover 320may be coupled to brim 118 to establish the closed arrangement as shownin FIGS. 17 and 20. In the closed arrangement, removable cover 320closes top aperture 116 and blocks access to interior product-storageregion 136 by dust, dirt, etc. In one example, inner layer 322Cdelaminates from outer layer 322A to expose adhesive layer 322B.Adhesive layer 322B may be used to establish an adhesive bond betweenremovable cover 320 and brim 118. As a result, access to interiorproduct-storage region 136 by water, liquids, air etc. may be blocked orminimized.

In some embodiments, inner layer 322C includes a peel-initiation zoneconfigured to provide means for causing inner layer 322C to delaminatefrom a coupling layer in a controlled manner in response to separationof lower annular band 354 of sheet-support ring 324 from brim 118 tocause film lid 326 to be established while maintaining the hermetic sealbetween film lid 326 and brim 118 so that removable cover 320 isestablished for covering top aperture 116 after film lid 326 is removedand separated from container 112.

In one example, peel-initiation zone is an area of weakness in innerlayer 322C of multi-layer sheet 322. The area of weakness may be aseries of spaced-apart cuts formed in multi-layer sheet 322 andextending through only inner layer 322C. The area of weakness may be acontinuous cut formed in multi-layer sheet 322 that extends only throughinner layer 322C.

In another illustrative example, peel-initiation zone is formed as aresult of inner layer 322C being configured to fracture during removalof lower annular band 354 of sheet-support ring 324 from brim 118 insuch a way as to establish film lid 326 that maintains the hermetic sealbetween brim 118 and film lid 326. A combination of factors may beadjusted to provide for a peel-initiation zone in accordance with thepresent disclosure. The factors may include the inner layer formulation,adhesive strength of adhesive layer 322B, and the strength of temporarybond 342T formed between inner layer 322C and brim 118.

In some embodiments, lower annular band 354 included in sheet-supportring 324 includes a support band arranged to extend around brim 118 anda closure-opening tab. Closure-opening tab is appended to support bandto extend outwardly beyond a perimeter of support band and is configuredto be grasped by a consumer/purchaser/user of package 310 in the field(e.g., home) and simplify application of an opening force to closure 314to cause package 310 to assume the opened-sealed arrangement.

In another illustrative embodiment, a multi-layer sheet in accordancewith the present disclosure may include an inner layer and an outerlayer. The inner layer may be arranged to face toward the container andconfigured to bond temporarily with the brim of the container. The outerlayer may be arranged to face away from the container. The multi-layersheet may further include coupling means for coupling the inner layer tothe outer layer to cause the inner layer to be carried with the outerlayer during application of the closure to the container in thecontainer-filling factory. The coupling means may be an adhesive layerinterconnecting the layers as shown in FIG. 4, a static attractionformed between the layers, a heat bond formed between the layers, or anyother suitable alternatives and combinations.

In another illustrative example, the upper layer of the multi-layersheet may include a portion that is transparent and configured to allowa user to view images, text, or embossing formed on the inner layer. Theinner layer may include images, text, or embossing configured tocommunicate visually to a user that the container is in theclosed-sealed arrangement. After the user separates the removable coverfrom the film lid, removes the film lid from the container, and replacesthe removable cover, the images, text, or embossing is no longer visibleto the user. Thus, the user understands that the package has beenconfigured in the closed arrangement.

In another illustrative example, a different set of text, images, orembossing may be located on the upper surface of the brim. Once the filmlid is removed, the different set of text, images, or embossing is nowvisible and is configured to communicate visually to a user through theremovable cover that the package has been configured in the closedarrangement.

In yet another illustrative example, the outer layer may be transparentor semi-transparent and tinted with a first color. The inner layer mayhave a different second color. When the package is in the closed-sealedarrangement, the combination of the first color and the second colorcooperate together to establish a different third color. The presence ofthe different third color communicates visually to a user that thecontainer is in the closed-sealed arrangement. After the user separatesthe removable cover from the film lid, removes the film lid from thecontainer, and replaces the removable cover, only the first color of theouter layer is now present. Thus, the first color only being seencommunicates visually that the package has been configured in the closedarrangement. In one example, the first color is yellow, the second coloris blue, and the third color is green. However, any other suitablecombination of colors may be used in accordance with the presentdisclosure. The addition of text, images, or embossing may also be used.

In another example, the color change may occur during separation of theouter layer from the inner layer due to fracture of one or both layers.As a result of fracture, material may change in color to application ofstress to the material. In one example, a translucent material may turnopaque as a result of stress applied to the material during separationof the outer layer from the inner layer.

In illustrative embodiments, outer layer comprises one or more materialsthat do not heat seal to materials included in inner layer. In someembodiments, outer layer comprises one or more materials that resistheat sealing to materials included in inner layer. As such, issues offorming a heat seal between outer layer and inner layer are reduced sothat inner layer may peel away from outer layer and adhesive layer.

In some embodiments, outer layer comprises nylon to block the formationof a heat seal between outer layer and inner layer. In some embodiments,multi-layer sheet includes a nylon layer (not shown) to block theformation of a heat seal between outer layer and inner layer.

In some embodiments, a permanent adhesive is printed on an outer portionof adhesive layer 22B where outer layer 22A bonds to sheet-support ring24 and a pressure sensitive adhesive is used for an inner portion ofadhesive layer 22B to couple inner layer 22C to outer layer 22A. As anexample, adhesive may be printed on outer portion of adhesive layer 22Bwhen used with a registered printing process.

In one example, a multi-layer sheet includes several layers thatcooperate together to establish the outer layer, the coupling layer, andthe inner layer. In one example, the outer layer is a polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), the coupling layer is a pressure sensitive adhesive(PSA), and the inner layer is a polypropylene (PP) material suitable forsealing to a polypropylene container.

In another example, the outer layer may be about 48 gauge PET and belaminated to a high barrier material. The high barrier materialincludes, for example, a 3.0 mil PP layer, a tie layer, an ethylenevinyl alcohol (EVOH) layer, a tie layer, and a PP layer. The couplinglayer may be arranged to locate the barrier layer between the couplinglayer and the outer layer and be made from S 8825 PSA available fromAvery Dennison. The inner layer may include, for example, a 2.0 mil PPlayer, a tie layer, a nylon layer, a tie layer, and a PP layer suitablefor sealing to a polypropylene container.

The 48 gauge PET film may be laminated to a high barrier, 3.0 milPP/EVOH/PP coextrusion film. This laminate may be adhesive coated with alow tack pressure sensitive adhesive and laminated to a 2.0 milPP/nylon/PP peelable seal coextruded film.

When the multi-layer sheet (48 Ga PET/(3.0 mil PP/tie/EVOH/tie/PPfilm)/S 8825 PSA*/2.0 mil PP/tie/nylon/tie/PP peelable seal) is coupledto a PP sheet-support ring, increased amounts of heat and pressure areapplied to fuse the PP-PSA-PP peelable seal layers to form a permanentbond between the multi-layer sheet and the sheet-support ring. The innerlayer may be kiss cut between the inside of the sheet-support ring andthe outside of the temporary bond to seal the brim of the container.This may allow removal of the removable cover from the container leavingbehind the film lid coupled to the container to provide evidence oftampering.

In one example, each of an inner layer, an outer layer, and a couplinglayer included in a multi-layer sheet may comprise one or more layers.In one example, the outer layer is a PET, the coupling layer 22Bincludes an adhesive layer 22B 1 and a release coating 22B2, and theinner layer is a PP material suitable for sealing to a PP container assuggested in FIG. 4.

In another example, the outer layer may be about 92 gauge PET. The outerlayer may be reverse printed with registered printing of ink and arelease coating. In one example, the release coating a lacquer coatingWKVFS0115713 provided by Sun Chemical. The reverse printed outer layerwith release coating is then coupled to a barrier layer and the innerlayer by the adhesive layer. In one example, the adhesive layer is aurethane adhesive system, for example, Morfree L75-164/Morfree C 411.The barrier layer in one example includes about a 3.0 mil PP layer, atie layer, an EVOH layer, and a tie layer. The inner layer in anotherexample is a PP layer suitable for sealing to a container. The barrierlayer and inner layer may be kiss cut in register to the release coatingwhich allows removal of the removable cover while leaving behind thefilm lid coupled to the container.

In one example, each of an inner layer, an outer layer, and a couplinglayer included in a multi-layer sheet may comprise one or more layers.In one example, the outer layer is a PET, the coupling layer includes awax material, and the inner layer is a PP material suitable for sealingto a PP container.

In another example, the outer layer includes about a 48 gauge PET layer,a 1.5 mil nylon layer, a tie layer, and a PP layer. The 48 gauge PETlayer may be adhesively laminated to the 1.5 mil nylon layer, tie layer,and PP layer. This combination of layers may then be bonded permanentlyto a sheet-support ring to form the removable cover. The wax material isthen coated on an inner surface of the removable cover. In one example,the wax material is 5 G wax from Hase Petroleum. The inner layerincludes, for example, a 1.5 mil nylon layer, a tie layer, and a PPlayer suitable for sealing to a PP container. The inner layer may be diecut from a larger sheet and inserted into the removable cover toestablish the closure. The HP 5G wax has adequate tack to couple andhold the inner layer in place inside relative to the removable cover.After the closure has been bonded temporarily to the container, the filmlid remains bonded temporarily to the container upon removal of theremovable cover. The low tack of the HP 5G wax provides easy separationof the film lid from the removable cover. Low tack pressure sensitiveadhesives can also be used in place of the HP 5G wax.

In one example, a multi-layer sheet is made from a laminate whichincludes, for example, a protective layer (also called outer layer), askin layer, an adhesive layer (also called coupling layer), and asealant layer (also called inner layer). The adhesive layer has arelatively high melt Mass-Flow Rate (MFR) and the sealant layercomprises a polypropylene homopolymer having a relatively high melt MFR.The high melt MFR of the sealant layer is compatible with the high meltMFR of the adhesive layer which simplifies manufacture of themulti-layer sheet. Another example of a multi-layer sheet includes aprotective layer (also called outer layer), a skin layer, a barrierlayer, an adhesive layer (also called coupling layer), and a sealantlayer (also called inner layer).

In one illustrative example, the protective layer is made fromPolyethylene Terephthalate (PET). In another illustrative example, theprotective layer is made from Oriented Polypropylene (OPP). In still yetanother example, the protective layer is made from Bi-axially OrientedNylon (BON). In still yet another example, the protective layer mayinclude two or more sub-layers where a first sub-layer is one of PET,OPP, and BON and the second sub-layer is ink printed on an inner surfaceof the first sub-layer so that the ink sub-layer is located between thefirst sub-layer and the skin layer. Once the protective layer is formed,the protective layer may be laminated to the skin layer in any suitablemanner.

In one illustrative example, the skin layer is made from Low DensityPolyethylene (LDPE). In another example, the skin layer is made fromLDPE having a melt index of about 6 g/10 min as tested according to ASTMTest Method D 1238. In still yet another example, the skin layer is madefrom PETROTHENE® NA334000 LDPE made by Lyondell Chemical Company ofHouston, Tex.

In another example, the skin layer is made from a Linear Low DensityPolyethylene (LLDPE). In another example, the skin layer is made fromDOWLEX™ 2035 LLDPE made by DOW® Chemical Company.

In another example, the skin layer is made from a hexene copolymerLMDPE. In another example, the skin layer is made from NOVAPOL®TF-0438-E LMDPE made by NOVA Chemicals® of Moon Township, Pa.

In another example, the skin layer is made from a blend of LLDPE andhexene copolymer LMDPE. In one example, the blend is about 20% by weight(wt %) LLDPE and 80 wt % hexene copolymer LMDPE. In yet another example,the blend is about 80 wt % LLDPE and about 20 wt % hexene copolymerLLDPE. The LLDPE may be DOWLEX™ 2035 LDPE made by DOW® Chemical Companyand the hexene copolymer LMDPE may be NOVAPOL® TF-0438-E LMDPE made byNOVA Chemicals® of Moon Township, Pa.

In another illustrative example, the skin layer is made from a blend ofLDPE and Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE). In another example,the skin layer is made from about 50 wt % PETROTHENE® NA334000 LDPE andabout 50 wt % DOWLEX™ 2035 LLDPE made by The DOW® Chemical Company.

In another illustrative example, the skin layer is made from a blend ofabout 60 wt % NOVAPOL® TF-0438-E hexene LMDPE made by NOVA Chemicals® ofMoon Township, Pa., 35.5 wt % DOWLEX™ 2035 LLDPE, and about 2 wt %ABC2000HC high clarity anti-block concentrate made by PolyfilCorporation of Rockaway, N.J.

In still yet another example, the skin layer is made from a blend ofLDPE and Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE). In yet another example, theskin layer is made from High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). In still yetanother example, the skin layer is made from a blend of LLDPE and MDPE.In another example, the skin layer is made from a blend of LLDPE andHDPE. In yet another example, the skin layer is made from Polypropylene(PP).

In one illustrative example, the adhesive layer is a Pressure SensitiveAdhesive (PSA). The PSA may have a relatively high melt Mass-Flow Rate(MFR) (190° C./2.16 kg) as measured by NF EN ISO 1113, cond 6, which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In one example, thePSA has a melt MFR (190° C./2.16 kg) in a range of about 5 g/10 min toabout 50 g/10 min. In another example, the PSA has a melt MFR (190°C./2.16 kg) in a range of about 8 g/10 min to about 45 g/10 min. Inanother example, the PSA has a melt MFR (190° C./2.16 kg) of about 8g/10 min. In another example, the PSA has a melt MFR (190° C./2.16 kg)of about 45 g/10 min.

In another example, the adhesive layer is made from BOSTIK® M3156/Tadhesive made by Bostik Limited of Staffordshire, UK. In anotherexample, the adhesive layer is made from BOSTIK® M651 PSA made by BostikLimited of Staffordshire, UK. In still yet another example, the adhesivelayer is made from BOSTIK® M951/5 adhesive made by Bostik Limited ofStaffordshire, UK. In still yet another example, the adhesive layer ismade from a blend of about 50 wt % M651 and about 50 wt % BOSTIK®M3156/T.

In one illustrative example, the sealant layer is made fromPolypropylene (PP). In another example, the sealant layer is made fromhomopolymer PP. In another example, the sealant layer is made fromrandom PP. In still yet another example, the sealant layer is made fromrandom or homopolymer PP having a melt flow rate of about 12 g/10 min toabout 40 g/10 min. In still yet another example, the sealant layer ismade from random or homopolymer PP having a melt flow rate of about 14g/10 min to about 36 g/10 min. In one example, the sealant layer is madefrom TOTAL® Petrochemicals Polypropylene M3661 made by TotalPetrochemicals of Houston, Tex. In another example, the sealant layer ismade from EXXONMOBIL™ PP3155 made by EXXONMOBIL™ Chemical Company ofHouston, Tex.

In another example, the sealant layer is made from a blend of PP and apolypropylene-based elastomer. The addition of the polypropylene-basedelastomer maximizes peel consistency by minimizing formation ofstringers during peeling the film lid away from the container. Astringer is a portion of the sealant layer which delaminates in an areaother than the heat seal. In one example, the stringer remains coupledto the container providing an un-attractive appearance. Together, theblend of PP and the polypropylene-based elastomer provide a clean breakor separation from the PSA during peeling film lid away from thecontainer.

Elastomers are substantially amorphous polymers existing above a glasstransition temperature at ambient conditions. One example of apolypropylene-based elastomer in accordance with the present disclosureis VISTAMAXX™ 3020FL made by EXXONMOBIL™ Chemical Company of Houston,Tex. VISTAMAXX™ 3020FL is an olefinic elastomer primarily composed ofisotactic propylene repeat units with random ethylene distribution.

In one example, the polypropylene-based elastomer has a density of about0.87 g/cm³. In another example, the polypropylene-based elastomer has adensity of about 0.873 g/cm³. In another example, thepolypropylene-based elastomer has a density of about 0.874 g/cm³.Density may be measured according to ASTM D1505 which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The polypropylene-based elastomer has a melt index at 190° C./2.16 kg ofabout 1.1 g/10 min. The polypropylene-based elastomer has a meltMass-Flow Rate (MFR) of about 2.0 g/10 min.

The polypropylene-based elastomer has a flexural modulus (1% secant) ina range of about 8600 psi to about 8700 psi as measured according toASTM D790 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Inone example, the polypropylene-based elastomer has a flexural modulus(1% secant) of about 8,650 psi. In another example, thepolypropylene-based elastomer has a flexural modulus (1% secant) ofabout 8,700 psi.

The polypropylene-based elastomer has a tensile elongation in a range ofabout 45% to about 48% at yield according to ASTM D412 which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety. In one example, thepolypropylene-based elastomer has a tensile elongation of about 46% atyield. In another example, the polypropylene-based elastomer has atensile elongation of about 48% at yield. The polypropylene-basedelastomer has a tensile elongation of about 1,800% at break.

In the example where the sealant layer is made from a blend of PP andthe polypropylene-based elastomer, the PP may be a low molecular weightpolypropylene. In another example, the PP May be polypropylenehomopolymer. One example of a polypropylene homopolymer in accordancewith the present disclosure is EXXONMOBIL™ PP3155 made by EXXONMOBIL™Chemical Company of Houston, Tex.

The polypropylene homopolymer may have a relatively high melt Mass-FlowRate (MFR) (230° C./2.16 kg) as measured by ASTM D1238 which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety. In one example, thepolypropylene homopolymer has a melt MFR (230° C./2.16 kg) in a range ofabout 10 g/10 min to about 50 g/10 min. In another example, thepolypropylene homopolymer has a melt MFR (230° C./2.16 kg) in a range ofabout 30 g/10 min to about 40 g/10 min. In another example, thepolypropylene homopolymer has a melt MFR (230° C./2.16 kg) of about 36g/10 min.

In one example, the polypropylene homopolymer having a relatively highmelt MFR provides for improved processing during formation of themulti-layer peelable closure laminate. In the present example, the blendof PP homopolymer and polypropylene-based elastomer is next to andadjacent the PSA. The relatively high melt MFR of the polypropylenehomopolymer provides for a viscosity during extrusion which is similarto the viscosity of the PSA. As a result, interfacial instabilitybetween the sealant layer and the adhesive layer is minimized.

Elastomers are typically amorphous polymers existing above a glasstransition temperature at ambient conditions. One example of apolypropylene-based elastomer in accordance with the present disclosureis VISTAMAXX™ 3020FL made by EXXONMOBIL™ Chemical Company of Houston,Tex. VISTAMAXX™ 3020FL is an olefinic elastomer primarily composed ofisotactic propylene repeat units with random ethylene distribution.

In the example where the sealant layer is a blend, the sealant layer maybe about 60 wt % PP and about 40 wt % polypropylene-based elastomer. Instill yet another example, the sealant layer is a blend of about 60 wt %EXXONMOBIL™ PP3155 and about 40 wt % VISTAMAXX™ 3020FL. In anotherexample, the sealant layer is a blend of about 60 wt % EXXONMOBIL™PP3155, about 30 wt % VISTAMAXX™ 3020FL made by EXXONMOBIL™ ChemicalCompany of Houston, Tex., and about 10 wt % Polyvel Inc. VF-P01 anti-fogPP made by Polyvel, Inc. of Hammonton, N.J. In yet another example, thesealant layer is a blend of at least 50 wt % EXXONMOBIL™ PP3155 made byEXXONMOBIL™ Chemical Company of Houston, Tex. and any other suitableresin.

In one example, the skin layer has a skin thickness, the adhesive layerhas an adhesive thickness, and the sealant layer has a sealantthickness. Together, the skin thickness, the adhesive thickness, and thesealant thickness cooperate to establish an overall thickness.

In one example, the skin thickness is about 55% to about 60% of theoverall thickness. In another example, the skin thickness is about 55%of the overall thickness. In yet another example, the skin thickness isabout 60% of the overall thickness. In still yet another example, theskin thickness is about 58% of the overall thickness.

In one example, the adhesive thickness is about 26% to about 30% of theoverall thickness. In another example, the adhesive thickness is about26% of the overall thickness. In yet another example, the adhesivethickness is about 30% of the overall thickness. In still yet anotherexample, the adhesive thickness is about 27% of the overall thickness.

In one example, the sealant thickness is about 14% to about 15% of theoverall thickness. In another example, the sealant thickness is about14% of the overall thickness. In yet another example, the sealantthickness is about 15% of the overall thickness.

In some examples, the multi-layer sheet may include a barrier layer. Thebarrier layer may include several sub-layers. For example, the barrierlayer includes a first tie sub-layer, a sub-layer made from a materialincluding Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH), and a second tie sub-layer. TheEVOH is configured to maximize resistance to oxygen and moisture vapormoving through the closure between the product-storage region and anenvironment surrounding the package. The first tie sub-layer is locatedbetween the sub-layer including EVOH and the skin layer. The second tiesub-layer is located between the sub-layer including EVOH and theadhesive layer.

In one example, the sub-layer including EVOH is made from 100 wt % EVAL™J171 made by EVAL Europe nv of Antwerp, Belgium. In another example, thesub-layer including EVOH is made from 100 wt % SOARNOL™ DC3203F made byNippon Gohsei of Osaka, Japan. The first tie layer is configured to becompatible between the sub-layer including EVOH and the skin layer. Inone illustrative example, the first tie sub-layer includes, for example,about 85 wt % PETROTHENE® NA334000 LDPE and about 15 wt % DUPONT™ BYNEL®41E710. The second tie layer is configured to be compatible between thesub-layer including EVOH and the adhesive layer. The second tiesub-layer includes, for example, about 47 wt % NOVAPOL® TF-0338-E LinearMedium Density Polyethylene (LMDPE), 38% DOWLEX™ 2035 LLDPE, and about15 wt % DUPONT™ BYNEL® 41E710 anhydride-modified, LLDPE made by DuPontCompany of Wilmington, Del. However, any other suitable formulations ofthe tie layers may be used.

In another example, the barrier layer may be Polyvinylidene Chloride(PVdC) coating applied to one of the other layers included in themulti-layer sheet. In one example, the PVdC coating is applied to theprotective layer. In another example, the PVdC coating is applied to theskin layer when no protective layer is present. While EVOH and PVdC maybe used as suitable barrier materials, any other suitable barriermaterials may be used.

The multi-layer sheet may have one or more layers between the seal layerand the adhesive layer. These layers can be made of similar ordissimilar materials and may or may not contain functional additivessuch as anti-fog, odor absorbers, anti-oxidants, etc.

The present disclosure relates to multi-layer sheets which include 100wt % polypropylene (homopolymer or copolymer or random copolymerpolypropylene) or a blend of polypropylene and elastomer sealant(sealant layer), a pressure sensitive adhesive core (adhesive layer) anda polyolefin skin layer (skin layer). The multi-layer sheet has an easyto open feature (easy-to-peel) and when peeled, the polypropylene seallayer (sealant layer) breaks away from the pressure sensitive adhesivelayer (adhesive layer) due to bond failure between the film-supportstructure and the sealant layer. This is the result of interfacial bondstrength between the first and second layers (sealant and adhesivelayers) being lower than the bond strength formed between the firstsealant layer (sealant layer) and another polypropylene based structure(film-support structure) during formation of the heat bond. After thefirst opening, since a portion of the pressure sensitive adhesive layeris exposed, only that part of the film structure will have are-closeability feature with which the container can be re-closed.

This co-extruded film can be laminated to PET, BON, or OrientedPolypropylene (OPP) films to increase stiffness and temperatureresistance. In addition, a film containing EVOH or a PVdC coating can bealso laminated to improve the barrier resistance to oxygen or moisturevapor of the closure. These laminated structures with polypropylenesealant are heat sealable to any polypropylene based rigid containerswith or without a barrier layer (EVOH or other).

According to the present disclosure, a package includes a container anda closure. The container includes a bowl formed to include aproduct-storage region therein and a brim coupled to the bowl. The brimformed to include a top aperture arranged to open into theproduct-storage region. The closure includes a sheet-support ringcoupled to the brim and a multi-layer sheet coupled permanently to thesheet-support ring by a permanent bond and coupled temporarily to anupwardly facing surface of the brim by a temporary bond to cause anendless hermetic seal to be established between the brim and themulti-layer sheet. The multi-layer sheet being configured to providemeans for communicating visually to a user that the closure has beenseparated from the container previously in response to separation of theclosure from the container.

In some embodiments, the multi-layer sheet includes an outer layer, aninner layer, and a coupling layer. The outer layer is located inspaced-apart relation to the upwardly facing surface of the brim. Theinner layer is located in spaced-apart relation to the outer layer andlocated between the outer layer and the upwardly facing surface of thebrim. The coupling layer is located between the inner layer and theouter layer.

In some embodiments, the outer layer includes a portion that isgenerally transparent to light and configured to communicate firstvisual information through the portion of the outer layer when thepackage is in a closed-sealed arrangement in which the sheet-supportring is coupled to the brim of the container and the multi-layer sheetis coupled temporarily to the brim by the temporary bond. The portion ofthe outer layer that is generally transparent to light is furtherconfigured to communicate different second visual information throughthe portion of the outer layer when the package is in an openedarrangement in which the temporary bond between the inner layer and thecontainer has been broken and a portion of the inner layer has beenremoved from the closure to establish a removable cover and theremovable cover is coupled to the container. The coupling layer includesa portion that is transparent to light and configured to communicatevisual information through the portion of the coupling layer.

In some embodiments, the coupling layer includes an adhesive layerlocated between the inner layer and the outer layer and a releasecoating coupled to a portion of the adhesive layer. The adhesive layeris a permanent adhesive. The adhesive layer includes a first portionlocated between the outer layer and the sheet-support ring andconfigured to provide a first permanent bond between the outer layer andthe sheet-support ring and a second portion surrounded by the firstportion and the release coating is applied only to the second portion.

In some embodiments, the inner layer includes an inner portion, an outerportion located in spaced-apart relation to the inner portion, and apeel-initiation zone located between the inner portion and the outerportion. The peel-initiation zone is configured to provide means forcausing the inner portion of the inner layer to delaminate in acontrolled manner from the coupling layer in response to separation ofthe sheet-support ring from the brim to cause a film lid to beestablished while maintaining the endless hermetic seal between the filmlid and the brim so that a removable cover is established for coveringthe top aperture after the film lid is removed and separated from thecontainer. The film lid is a portion of the inner layer of themulti-layer sheet that has delaminated from the multi-layer sheet in acontrolled manner during formation of the film lid and the removablecover.

In some embodiments, the multi-layer sheet includes an outer layer, aninner layer, and a coupling layer. The outer layer coupled permanentlyto the sheet-support ring by a first permanent bond. The inner layercoupled temporarily to the upwardly facing surface of the brim by thetemporary bond to cause an endless seal to be established between thebrim and the inner layer of the multi-layer sheet. The coupling layerlocated between the inner and outer layers and configured to providemeans for communicating visually to a user that the closure has beenseparated previously from the container by a user.

In some embodiments, the package is in a closed-sealed arrangement whenthe sheet-support ring is coupled to the brim of the container and themulti-layer sheet is coupled temporarily to the brim by the temporarybond. The package is in an opened-sealed arrangement when a firstremoval forced is applied to the sheet-support ring to cause a film lidto be established which is coupled by the temporary bond to the brim sothat the endless hermetic seal is maintained and a removable cover to beestablished which is located in spaced-apart relation to the film lid.

In some embodiments, the package is in an opened arrangement when asecond removal force is applied to the film lid to cause the temporarybond to be overcome and the film lid to be peeled away from the brim ofthe container. The package is in a closed arrangement when the film lidis peeled away from the brim and the removable cover is coupled to thebrim to block access to the top aperture by a remaining portion of themulti-layer sheet included in the removable cover and the removablecover is coupled to the upwardly facing surface of the brim by adownwardly facing surface of a coupling layer exposed duringdelamination of the film lid from the removable cover and the couplinglayer is an adhesive layer. In some embodiments, the coupling layer isan adhesive layer.

In some embodiments, the outer layer includes a portion that isgenerally transparent to light. The portion of the outer layer isconfigured to communicate first visual information through the portionof the outer layer when the package is in a closed-sealed arrangement inwhich the sheet-support ring is coupled to the brim of the container andthe multi-layer sheet is coupled temporarily to the brim by thetemporary bond.

In some embodiments, the outer layer includes a portion that isgenerally transparent to light and configured to communicate firstvisual information through the portion of the outer layer when thepackage is in a closed-sealed arrangement. The portion of the outerlayer is further configured to communicate second visual informationthrough the portion of the outer layer when the package is in an openedarrangement. The coupling layer includes a portion that is transparentto light and configured to allow a user to view visual informationthrough the portion of the coupling layer.

In some embodiments, the first visual information is one of an image,text, embossing, or a color and is included in the inner layer. In someembodiments, the second visual information is one of an image, text,embossing, or a color. The second visual information is different thanthe first visual information. The second visual information is includedin the brim of the container.

In some embodiments, the outer layer includes a portion that isgenerally transparent to light and configured to communicate firstvisual information through the portion of the outer layer when thepackage is in a closed-sealed arrangement. In the closed-sealedarrangement, the sheet-support ring is coupled to the brim of thecontainer and the multi-layer sheet is coupled temporarily to the brimby the temporary bond.

In some embodiments, the portion of the outer layer that is generallytransparent to light is further configured to communicate second visualinformation through the portion of the outer layer when the package isin an opened arrangement. In the opened arrangement, the temporary bondbetween the inner layer and the container has been broken and a portionof the inner layer has been removed from the closure to establish aremovable cover and the removable cover is coupled to the container.

In some embodiments, the coupling layer includes a portion that istransparent to light and configured to allow a user to view visualinformation through the portion of the coupling layer. In someembodiments, the first visual information is one of an image, text,embossing, or a color. In some embodiments, the first visual informationis included in the inner layer.

In some embodiments, the second visual information is one of an image,text, embossing, or a color and the second visual information isdifferent than the first visual information. In some embodiments, thesecond visual information is included in the brim of the container. Insome embodiments, the inner layer includes a portion that blocks lightfrom passing therethrough so that the second visual information isblocked from viewing when the package is in the closed-sealedarrangement.

In some embodiments, the outer layer includes a portion that has a firstcolor configured to communicate first visual information when thepackage is in a closed-sealed arrangement. In the closed-sealedarrangement, the sheet-support ring is coupled to the brim of thecontainer and the multi-layer sheet is coupled temporarily to the brimby the temporary bond.

In some embodiments, the portion of the outer layer has a differentsecond color configured to communicate second visual information whenthe package is in an opened arrangement. In the opened arrangement, thetemporary bond between the inner layer and the container has been brokenand a portion of the inner layer has been removed from the closure toestablish a removable cover which is coupled to the container.

In some embodiments, the coupling layer includes a portion that istransparent to light. The portion of the coupling layer is aligned withthe portion of the outer layer.

In some embodiments, the multi-layer sheet includes an outer layer, aninner layer, and a coupling layer. The outer layer is located inspaced-apart relation to the upwardly facing surface of the brim. Theinner layer is located in spaced-apart relation to the outer layer andlocated between the outer layer and the upwardly facing surface of thebrim. The coupling layer is located between the inner layer and theouter layer. In some embodiments, the film lid is a portion of the innerlayer of the multi-layer sheet that has delaminated from the multi-layersheet in a controlled manner during formation of the film lid and theremovable cover.

In some embodiments, the package is in an opened arrangement when asecond force is applied to the film lid to cause the temporary bond tobe overcome and the film lid to be peeled away from the brim of thecontainer and the removable cover is coupled to the brim to block accessto the top aperture by a remaining portion of the multi-layer sheetincluded in the removable cover. In some embodiments, the package is inan opened arrangement when a second force is applied to the film lid tocause the temporary bond to be overcome and the film lid to be peeledaway from the brim of the container and the removable cover is coupledto the brim to block access to the top aperture by a remaining portionof the multi-layer sheet included in the removable cover and theremovable cover is coupled to the upwardly facing surface of the brim bya downwardly facing surface of the coupling layer exposed duringdelamination of the film lid from the removable cover and the couplinglayer is an adhesive layer.

In some embodiments, the removable cover is coupled to the upwardlyfacing surface of the brim by a downwardly facing surface of thecoupling layer exposed during delamination of the film lid from theremovable cover. In some embodiments, the coupling layer is an adhesivelayer. In some embodiments, the removable layer is coupled to the brim,in part, by an adhesive bond formed between the coupling layer and thebrim.

In some embodiments, the multi-layer sheet includes an outer layer, aninner layer, and a coupling layer. The outer layer is located inspaced-apart relation to the upwardly facing surface of the brim. Theinner layer is located in spaced-apart relation to the outer layer andlocated between the outer layer and the upwardly facing surface of thebrim. The coupling layer is located between the inner layer and theouter layer. The inner layer includes an inner portion, an outer portionlocated in spaced-apart relation to the outer portion, and apeel-initiation zone located between the inner portion and the outerportion.

In some embodiments, the peel-initiation zone is configured to providemeans for causing the inner portion of the inner layer to delaminate ina controlled manner from the coupling layer in response to separation ofthe sheet-support ring from the brim to cause a film lid to beestablished while maintaining the endless hermetic seal between the filmlid and the brim so that a removable cover is established for coveringthe top aperture after the film lid is removed and separated from thecontainer. In some embodiments, the peel-initiation zone is an area ofweakness formed in the inner layer between the outer portion of theinner layer and the inner portion of the inner layer.

In some embodiments, the area of weakness is a series of spaced-apartcuts formed in the inner layer of the multi-layer sheet and arranged toextend only through the inner layer. In some embodiments, the area ofweakness is a continuous and uninterrupted cut formed in the inner layerof the multi-layer sheet and arranged to extend only through the innerlayer.

In some embodiments, the area of weakness is a continuous anduninterrupted cut formed in the inner layer of the multi-layer sheet andarranged to extend only through the inner layer. The cut is locatedbetween the inner portion of the inner layer and the outer portion ofthe inner layer. In some embodiments, the inner portion of the innerlayer is spaced apart from the outer portion of the inner layer tolocate the cut between the inner and outer portions.

In some embodiments, the sheet-support ring includes a support band anda closure opening tab. The support band is arranged to extend around thebrim of the container. The closure opening tab is coupled to thesheet-support ring and is arranged to extend outwardly away from the topaperture.

In some embodiments, the multi-layer sheet includes a body and apeel-initiation tab. The body is arranged to cover and close the topaperture when the closure is coupled to the container. Thepeel-initiation tab is appended to the body and arranged to extend awayfrom the body and past a perimeter edge of the brim.

In some embodiments, the multi-layer sheet includes an outer layer andan inner layer. The outer layer is located in spaced-apart relation tothe container when the closure is coupled to the container. The innerlayer is coupled to the outer layer and to the brim of the container.

In some embodiments, the multi-layer sheet further includes a couplinglayer located between the inner layer and the outer layer. The couplinglayer is arranged to extend between and interconnect the inner and outerlayers.

In some embodiments, the inner layer is coupled to the outer layer bystatic attraction formed between the inner and outer layers. In someembodiments, the inner layer is coupled to the outer layer by a heatbond formed between the inner and outer layers.

In some embodiments, the outer layer includes a portion that isgenerally transparent to light and configured to communicate firstvisual information through the portion of the outer layer when thepackage is in a closed-sealed arrangement. In the closed-sealedarrangement, the sheet-support ring is coupled to the brim of thecontainer and the multi-layer sheet is coupled temporarily to the brimby the temporary bond.

In some embodiments, the portion of the outer layer that is generallytransparent to light is further configured to communicate second visualinformation through the portion of the outer layer when the package isin an opened arrangement. In the opened arrangement, the temporary bondbetween the inner layer and the container has been broken and a portionof the inner layer has been removed from the closure to establish aremovable cover and the removable cover is coupled to the container.

In some embodiments, the first visual information is one of an image,text, embossing, or a color. In some embodiments, the first visualinformation is included in the inner layer.

In some embodiments, the second visual information is one of an image,text, embossing, or a color. The second visual information is differentthan the first visual information.

In some embodiments, the second visual information is included in thebrim of the container. In some embodiments, the inner layer includes aportion that blocks light from passing therethrough so that the secondvisual information is blocked from viewing when the package is in theclosed-sealed arrangement.

In some embodiments, the outer layer includes a portion that has a firstcolor configured to communicate first visual information when thepackage is in a closed-sealed arrangement. In the closed-sealedarrangement, the sheet-support ring is coupled to the brim of thecontainer and the multi-layer sheet is coupled temporarily to the brimby the temporary bond.

In some embodiments, the portion of the outer layer has a differentsecond color configured to communicate second visual information whenthe package is in an opened arrangement. In the opened arrangement, thetemporary bond between the inner layer and the container has been brokenand a portion of the inner layer has been removed from the closure toestablish a removable cover which is coupled to the container.

In some embodiments, the film lid is a portion of the inner layer of themulti-layer sheet that has delaminated from the multi-layer sheet in acontrolled manner during formation of the film lid and the removablecover. The removable cover is coupled to the upwardly facing surface ofthe brim by a downwardly facing surface of the adhesive layer exposedduring delamination of the film lid from the removable cover.

In some embodiments, the inner layer includes an inner portion, an outerportion, and a peel-initiation zone. The inner portion is located inspaced-apart relation to the outer portion. The peel-initiation zone islocated between the inner portion and the outer portion. Thepeel-initiation zone is an area of weakness formed in the inner layerbetween the outer portion and the inner portion of the inner layer. Thearea of weakness is a cut formed in the inner layer of the multi-layersheet and arranged to extend only through the inner layer.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a packageincludes a container and a closure. The container includes a bowl formedto include a product-storage region therein and a brim coupled to thebowl and formed to include a top aperture arranged to open into theproduct-storage region. The closure includes a sheet-support ring and amulti-layer sheet. The sheet-support ring is coupled to the brim. Themulti-layer sheet includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and acoupling layer. The outer layer is coupled permanently to thesheet-support ring by a first permanent bond. The inner layer is coupledtemporarily to an upwardly facing surface of the brim by a temporarybond to cause an endless seal to be established between the brim and theinner layer of the multi-layer sheet. The coupling layer is locatedbetween the inner and outer layers and configured to provide means forcommunicating visually to a user that the closure has been separatedpreviously from the container by a user.

In some embodiments, the coupling layer has a perimeter edge locatedbetween the sheet-support ring and the temporary bond formed between theinner layer and the brim of the container. In some embodiments, thecoupling layer includes an adhesive layer located between the innerlayer and the outer layer and a release coating coupled to a portion ofthe adhesive layer. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer is apermanent adhesive.

In some embodiments, the adhesive layer includes a first portion and asecond portion. The first portion is located between the outer layer andthe sheet-support ring and configured to provide the first permanentbond between the outer layer and the sheet-support ring. The secondportion is surrounded by the first portion.

In some embodiments, the endless seal is a hermetic seal configured towithstand changes in temperature and pressure in the product-storageregion. In some embodiments, the endless seal is a hermetic sealconfigured to withstand changes in temperature and pressure in theproduct-storage region during a retort process.

In some embodiments, the coupling layer includes an adhesive layerlocated between the inner layer and the outer layer and a releasecoating coupled to a portion of the adhesive layer. The adhesive layeris a permanent adhesive. The adhesive layer includes a first portionlocated between the outer layer and the sheet-support ring andconfigured to provide the first permanent bond between the outer layerand the sheet-support ring and a second portion surrounded by the firstportion and the release coating is applied only to the second portion.

In some embodiments, the inner layer is coupled to the second portion ofthe adhesive layer. The release coating is located between the innerlayer and the second portion of the adhesive layer.

In some embodiments, a portion of the inner layer is arranged to extendbeyond a perimeter of the second portion toward the sheet support ring.In some embodiments, the coupling layer has a perimeter edge locatedbetween the sheet-support ring and the temporary bond formed between theinner layer and the brim of the container.

In some embodiments, the coupling layer is a pressure sensitiveadhesive. In some embodiments, the coupling layer is a wax. In someembodiments, the inner layer is arranged to extend beyond the perimeteredge of the coupling layer.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a packageincludes a container and a closure. The container includes a bowl formedto include a product-storage region therein and a brim coupled to thebowl and formed to include a top aperture arranged to open into theproduct-storage region. The closure includes a sheet-support ring and amulti-layer sheet. The sheet-support ring is coupled to the brim. Themulti-layer sheet is coupled permanently to the sheet-support ring by apermanent bond and coupled temporarily to an upwardly facing surface ofthe brim by a temporary bond to cause an endless hermetic seal to beestablished between the brim and the multi-layer sheet. Thesheet-support ring being is configured to provide means forcommunicating visually to a user that the closure has been separatedfrom the container previously in response to separation of the closurefrom the container.

In some embodiments, the sheet-support ring includes an upper annularband, a lower annular band, and a series of frangible connectors. Thelower annular band is located in spaced-apart relationship to the upperannular band. The series of frangible connectors are arranged to extendbetween and interconnect the upper and lower annular bands to cause thelower annular band to separate and move away from the upper annular bandin response to application of a cover-removal force to the lower annularband.

In some embodiments, the multi-layer sheet is bonded permanently to thelower annular band by a first permanent bond. The multi-layer sheet isbonded permanently to the upper annular band by a second permanent bond.

In some embodiments, the multi-layer sheet includes an outer layerlocated in spaced-apart relation to the upwardly facing surface of thebrim and an inner layer located between the outer layer and the upwardlyfacing surface of the brim. The outer layer of the multi-layer sheetforms the first permanent bond with the lower annular band. In someembodiments, the inner layer of the multi-layer sheet forms the secondpermanent bond with the upper annular band.

In some embodiments, the package is in a closed-sealed arrangement whenthe sheet-support ring is coupled to the brim of the container and themulti-layer sheet is coupled temporarily to the brim by the temporarybond. The package is in an opened-sealed arrangement when acover-removal forced is applied to the lower annular band to cause afilm lid to be established which is coupled by the temporary bond to thebrim so that an endless seal is maintained and a removable cover to beestablished which is located in spaced-apart relation to the film lid.

In some embodiments, the multi-layer sheet includes an outer layerlocated in spaced-apart relation to the upwardly facing surface of thebrim and an inner layer located between the outer layer and the upwardlyfacing surface of the brim. The removable cover includes the lowerannular band and the outer layer of the multi-layer sheet. The film lidincludes the upper annular band and the inner layer of the multi-layersheet.

In some embodiments, the first permanent bond is spaced apart from thesecond permanent bond. In some embodiments, a perimeter edge of theinner sheet is located between the upper annular band and the lowerannular band.

In some embodiments, the removable cover includes the lower annular bandand the outer layer of the multi-layer sheet. In some embodiments, thefilm lid includes the inner layer and the upper annular band. In someembodiments, the package is in an closed arrangement when a lid-removalforce is applied to the film lid to cause the temporary bond to beovercome and the film lid to be peeled away from the brim of thecontainer and the removable cover is coupled to the brim to block accessto the top aperture by the upper layer of included in the removablecover.

1. A package comprising a container including a bowl formed to include aproduct-storage region therein and a brim coupled to the bowl and formedto include a top aperture arranged to open into the product-storageregion, a closure including a sheet-support ring coupled to the brim anda multi-layer sheet coupled permanently to the sheet-support ring by apermanent bond and coupled temporarily to an upwardly facing surface ofthe brim by a temporary bond to cause an endless hermetic seal to beestablished between the brim and the multi-layer sheet, the multi-layersheet being configured to provide means for communicating visually to auser that the closure has been separated from the container previouslyin response to separation of the closure from the container.
 2. Thepackage of claim 1, wherein the multi-layer sheet includes an outerlayer located in spaced-apart relation to the upwardly facing surface ofthe brim, an inner layer located in spaced-apart relation to the outerlayer and located between the outer layer and the upwardly facingsurface of the brim, and a coupling layer located between the innerlayer and the outer layer.
 3. The package of claim 2, wherein the outerlayer includes a portion that is generally transparent to light andconfigured to communicate first visual information through the portionof the outer layer when the package is in a closed-sealed arrangement inwhich the sheet-support ring is coupled to the brim of the container andthe multi-layer sheet is coupled temporarily to the brim by thetemporary bond, the portion of the outer layer that is generallytransparent to light is further configured to communicate differentsecond visual information through the portion of the outer layer whenthe package is in an opened arrangement in which the temporary bondbetween the inner layer and the container has been broken and a portionof the inner layer has been removed from the closure to establish aremovable cover and the removable cover is coupled to the container, thecoupling layer includes a portion that is transparent to light andconfigured to communicate visual information through the portion of thecoupling layer.
 4. The package of claim 2, wherein the coupling layerincludes an adhesive layer located between the inner layer and the outerlayer and a release coating coupled to a portion of the adhesive layer,the adhesive layer is a permanent adhesive, and the adhesive layerincludes a first portion located between the outer layer and thesheet-support ring and configured to provide a first permanent bondbetween the outer layer and the sheet-support ring and a second portionsurrounded by the first portion and the release coating is applied onlyto the second portion.
 5. The package of claim 2, wherein the innerlayer includes an inner portion, an outer portion located inspaced-apart relation to the inner portion, and a peel-initiation zonelocated between the inner portion and the outer portion, thepeel-initiation zone is configured to provide means for causing theinner portion of the inner layer to delaminate in a controlled mannerfrom the coupling layer in response to separation of the sheet-supportring from the brim to cause a film lid to be established whilemaintaining the endless hermetic seal between the film lid and the brimso that a removable cover is established for covering the top apertureafter the film lid is removed and separated from the container, and thefilm lid is a portion of the inner layer of the multi-layer sheet thathas delaminated from the multi-layer sheet in a controlled manner duringformation of the film lid and the removable cover.
 6. The package ofclaim 1, wherein the multi-layer sheet includes an outer layer coupledpermanently to the sheet-support ring by a first permanent bond, aninner layer coupled temporarily to the upwardly facing surface of thebrim by the temporary bond to cause an endless seal to be establishedbetween the brim and the inner layer of the multi-layer sheet, and acoupling layer located between the inner and outer layers and configuredto provide means for communicating visually to a user that the closurehas been separated previously from the container by a user.
 7. Thepackage of claim 1, wherein the package is in a closed-sealedarrangement when the sheet-support ring is coupled to the brim of thecontainer and the multi-layer sheet is coupled temporarily to the brimby the temporary bond and the package is in an opened-sealed arrangementwhen a first removal forced is applied to the sheet-support ring tocause a film lid to be established which is coupled by the temporarybond to the brim so that the endless hermetic seal is maintained and aremovable cover to be established which is located in spaced-apartrelation to the film lid.
 8. The package of claim 7, wherein themulti-layer sheet includes an outer layer located in spaced-apartrelation to the upwardly facing surface of the brim, an inner layerlocated in spaced-apart relation to the outer layer and located betweenthe outer layer and the upwardly facing surface of the brim, and acoupling layer located between the inner layer and the outer layer, thefilm lid is a portion of the inner layer of the multi-layer sheet thathas delaminated from the multi-layer sheet in a controlled manner duringformation of the film lid and removable cover, the package is in anopened arrangement when a second force is applied to the film lid tocause the temporary bond to be overcome and the film lid to be peeledaway from brim of the container and removable cover is coupled to brimto block access to the top aperture by a remaining portion of themulti-layer sheet included in the removable cover, and the removablecover is coupled to the upwardly facing surface of the brim by adownwardly facing surface of the coupling layer exposed duringdelamination of the film lid from the removable cover.
 9. The package ofclaim 7, wherein the package is in an opened arrangement when a secondremoval force is applied to the film lid to cause the temporary bond tobe overcome and the film lid to be peeled away from the brim of thecontainer and the package is in a closed arrangement when the film lidis peeled away from the brim and the removable cover is coupled to thebrim to block access to the top aperture by a remaining portion of themulti-layer sheet included in the removable cover and the removablecover is coupled to the upwardly facing surface of the brim by adownwardly facing surface of a coupling layer exposed duringdelamination of the film lid from the removable cover and the couplinglayer is an adhesive layer.
 10. A package comprising a containerincluding a bowl formed to include a product-storage region therein anda brim coupled to the bowl and formed to include a top aperture arrangedto open into the product-storage region, a closure including asheet-support ring coupled to the brim and a multi-layer sheet includingan outer layer coupled permanently to the sheet-support ring by a firstpermanent bond, an inner layer coupled temporarily to an upwardly facingsurface of the brim by a temporary bond to cause an endless seal to beestablished between the brim and the inner layer of the multi-layersheet, and a coupling layer located between the inner and outer layersand configured to provide means for communicating visually to a userthat the closure has been separated previously from the container by auser.
 11. The package of claim 10, wherein the coupling layer has aperimeter edge located between the sheet-support ring and the temporarybond formed between the inner layer and the brim of the container. 12.The package of claim 10, wherein the coupling layer includes an adhesivelayer located between the inner layer and the outer layer and a releasecoating coupled to a portion of the adhesive layer.
 13. The package ofclaim 12, wherein the adhesive layer is a permanent adhesive.
 14. Thepackage of claim 13, wherein the adhesive layer includes a first portionlocated between the outer layer and the sheet-support ring andconfigured to provide the first permanent bond between the outer layerand the sheet-support ring and a second portion surrounded by the firstportion.
 15. A package comprising a container including a bowl formed toinclude a product-storage region therein and a brim coupled to the bowland formed to include a top aperture arranged to open into theproduct-storage region, a closure including a sheet-support ring coupledto the brim and a multi-layer sheet coupled permanently to thesheet-support ring by a permanent bond and coupled temporarily to anupwardly facing surface of the brim by a temporary bond to cause anendless hermetic seal to be established between the brim and themulti-layer sheet, the sheet-support ring being configured to providemeans for communicating visually to a user that the closure has beenseparated from the container previously in response to separation of theclosure from the container.
 16. The package of claim 15, wherein thesheet-support ring includes an upper annular band, a lower annular bandlocated in spaced-apart relationship to the upper annular band and, anda series of frangible connectors arranged to extend between andinterconnect the upper and lower annular bands to cause the lowerannular band to separate and move away from the upper annular band inresponse to application of a cover-removal force to the lower annularband.
 17. The package of claim 16, wherein the multi-layer sheet isbonded permanently to the lower annular band by a first permanent bondand bonded permanently to the upper annular band by a second permanentbond.
 18. The package of claim 17, wherein the multi-layer sheetincludes an outer layer located in spaced-apart relation to the upwardlyfacing surface of the brim and an inner layer located between the outerlayer and the upwardly facing surface of the brim, the outer layer ofthe multi-layer sheet forms the first permanent bond with the lowerannular band, and the inner layer of the multi-layer sheet forms thesecond permanent bond with the upper annular band.
 19. The package ofclaim 16, wherein the package is in a closed-sealed arrangement when thesheet-support ring is coupled to the brim of the container and themulti-layer sheet is coupled temporarily to the brim by the temporarybond and the package is in an opened-sealed arrangement when acover-removal forced is applied to the lower annular band to cause afilm lid to be established which is coupled by the temporary bond to thebrim so that an endless seal is maintained and a removable cover to beestablished which is located in spaced-apart relation to the film lid.20. The package of claim 19, wherein the multi-layer sheet includes anouter layer located in spaced-apart relation to the upwardly facingsurface of the brim and an inner layer located between the outer layerand the upwardly facing surface of the brim, the removable coverincludes the lower annular band and the outer layer of the multi-layersheet, and the film lid includes the upper annular band and the innerlayer of the multi-layer sheet.